Telecom Regulatory Authority of India (TRAI) - Framework for Broadcasting Services (Telecommunicatio

Key Recommendations:

1. Removal of ₹100 Crore Net Worth Requirement: TRAI has proposed removing the ₹100 crore net worth requirement for Internet Service Providers (ISPs) offering Internet Protocol Television (IPTV), aligning IPTV with existing internet service rules.

2. Technology-Agnostic Radio Broadcasting: TRAI recommends making radio broadcasting terms technology-agnostic to allow the adoption of digital technologies in radio services.

3. Service Authorisation Structure:

   • New rules for granting broadcasting service authorisations, divided into two categories:
     • Broadcasting (Grant of Service Authorisations) Rules
     • Broadcasting (Television Channel Broadcasting, Television Channel Distribution, and Radio Broadcasting) Services Rules.

4. Migration and Validity: Existing licensees can voluntarily migrate to the new regime without paying processing or entry fees. New authorisation validity begins from the migration date.

5. Financial Adjustments:

   • DTH Services: Authorisation fee reduced to 3% of Adjusted Gross Revenue (AGR), with a plan to phase it out by FY27.
   • HITS Services: Bank guarantee for Headend-in-the-Sky (HITS) services reduced from ₹40 crore to ₹5 crore.

6. New Service Categories: Introduction of new services like Ground-based Broadcasting of TV Channels and Low Power Small Range Radio Service.

7. Interoperability and Infrastructure Sharing:

   • Encouragement of interoperable set-top boxes (STBs) for consumer convenience.
   • Voluntary infrastructure sharing between telecom and broadcasting service providers, where feasible.

8. OTT Platforms: TRAI proposes a separate consultation for including over-the-top (OTT) platforms within the authorisation framework, addressing the need for parity with traditional services.

9. Regulatory Oversight: TRAI must provide recommendations for any amendments to service authorisation terms, except in matters of national security.

This framework aims to modernise and simplify the broadcasting sector, reduce costs for service providers, and improve consumer choice and service delivery.